Some snow still but easy going. A couple with a huge dog came up behind us and left the poor pup (150lbs at least) to do the summit scramble. My wife and I worried but turns out the dog does the hike a lot and was more than capable. Nice couple, they felt bad my wife stayed with the dog at the class 2section but Michelle can't help it. She and the dog bonded quite well!

Best 1.8 mile long trail to a summit that I know of in Colorado. The route looks so improbable from so many angles but is quite easy and follows a natural weakness past all the awesome cliffs. Chimney Rock is beautiful. My dogs Sopris and Watanga beat me to the summit.

Road was clear 2/3 of a mile to the trailhead. There was about 50% snow cover on the trail. I used my GPS to supplement blazes and cut logs. A lot of slushy posthole-ing, but made it to the top in under 3 hours. Followed the rocky ridge from the summit trail junction to avoid deep snow on east slope. Had to get creative on summit area to avoid snow and slippery mud. Followed same general route down.

Kessler and I didn’t make the decision of which mountain to climb until the morning. We decided on Courthouse Mountain in the San Juans, since it wasn’t a long climb and since we still had a long drive ahead.

After driving to the trailhead, we set off up the mountain. We met Sarah and Deb from the day before just after starting up the mountain.

The mountain was a short, but fairly steep climb and is very scenic. It looks fearsome from the west, but from the east, it’s a nice class 2+ climb, mostly on a fairly steep trail. There was some minor scrambling before we reached the summit area. The true summit had a nice little scramble along a narrow ridge and a climb through an interesting notch. The views from the summit were fantastic. After enjoying the summit and watching a mischievous golden mantled squirrel, we headed back down the mountain. Kessler ran down the mountain with Sarah and I couldn’t keep up (at least not without trekking poles). I was hoping to give Kessler my earned Princess title (see previous day), but was unsuccessful. Next time I’ll bring Kessler’s little sister (Shaylee) so I at least have a chance of not being the Princess!

Visited this summit after a great weekend in Silverton with the SP Colorado crew. Ran into Scott & Kessler, which was cool. Great views from the summit ridge. Could have done without the pesky ummit rat, though.